Institute for International Relations

Name of client
Ministry of Public works Construction and Reconstruction

Origin of funding
OBNOVA 2000

Dates (start/end)
October 2001- December 2002

Name of partners
STG CONSULTING, BRUSSELS

Description of project - Overall Objective:
Strengthen the programming and institutional capacities of the Croatian authorities in the field of regional policy.

Specific Objectives:

• Outline the framework for the conceptualisation of a national policy for regional development in the context of EC requirements in the field of regional and structural policies.
• Suggest the most appropriate institutional structure (institutions and legal framework) and implementation mechanisms at national level for the effective implementation of regional development projects.
• Develop a policy paper addressing the present education and training programmes conducted in regional development planning and implementation and suggest education and training programmes which are in full compliance with EC requirements.

Overall result:
The Ministry of Public Works, Reconstruction and Construction (now Ministry of Sea, Transport, Tourism and Development) supported as far as its conceptual and operational responsibilities are concerned with a view to creating an EU compatible framework under which a coherent regional development policy could be conceived and effectively implemented.

Other results:

• outlined framework for the conceptualisation of national and regional development plans in the context of EC requirements in the field of regional and structural policy
• the most appropriate institutional structure and implementation mechanism at national and regional level for the effective implementation of the regional development projects proposed
• the most appropriate legal structure necessary for the successful implementation of the regional development policy suggested
• implemented training for staff of the Directorate for Regional Development extended with staff members from the other ministries involved in regional development planning

Type of services provided

• Support in defining the most appropriate institutional system for effectively managing regional policy.
• Analysis of the present legislation with regard to the regional development policy and planning and recommendations provided for a new legislative framework for regional policy
• Analysis of the present education and training conducted in regional planning and implementation, including suggestions and recommendations for education and training programmes, which are in full compliance with the overall regional policy framework.
• Education and training workshop for county government officials.